Puerto Rico: 7 places to see from San Juan to Cabo Rojo
Explore 7 remarkable destinations across Puerto Rico covering 501.2 km, from the colorful colonial architecture of Old San Juan to the tropical landscapes of El Yunque Rainforest, the pink salt flats of Las Salinas, and the scenic Cabo Rojo Lighthouse. The route includes stops at Rincon's renowned surf breaks, the challenging Survival Beach Hike, and Puerto Rico's vibrant capital city.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Old San Juan Historic District
- End
- Cabo Rojo Lighthouse
- Stops
- 7
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Old San Juan Historic District — Historic district filled with colorful colonial Spanish buildings
- El Yunque Rainforest — The only tropical rainforest in the United States
- Las Salinas Salt Flats — Pink-water salt flats in Cabo Rojo where salt has been extracted for thousands of years
- Rincon - Surf Capital — Surf capital of the islands located in the northwestern part of Puerto Rico
- Survival Beach Hike — A challenging coastal trail featuring rugged terrain, pristine beaches, and panoramic ocean views that test adventurers' endurance and reward them with untouched natural beauty.
- San Juan - Capital City — The capital of Puerto Rico where most visitors land
- Cabo Rojo Lighthouse — Historic lighthouse overlooking the Caribbean Sea at Cabo Rojo
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Visit San Juan early in the morning to witness sunrises; the creator captured one of the best sunrises at 6 a.m. in the historic district
- Where to stay
- Stay in an Airbnb in the heart of Old San Juan Historic District to experience the colorful colonial Spanish buildings and culture right on the sea
- Tip
- Be prepared for sudden heavy rainfall when visiting El Yunque Rainforest; the creator experienced torrential rain while hiking to waterfalls
- Tip
- Some waterfalls and areas in El Yunque may be closed; check ahead as some locations had limited access after Hurricane Maria damage
- Timing
- Wake up at 5 a.m. to visit Finca de Guerra Seoul Sunflower Field for sunrise; the creator witnessed one of the most magical sunrises there
- Tip
- Location scout Finca de Guerra Seoul the day before your sunrise visit to plan your timing and meet the owner
- Food
- Try local Puerto Rican food like empanadas and mofongo when visiting the island
- Tip
- Visit Las Salinas in Cabo Rojo to see the pink-colored water caused by salt extraction, shrimp, and how sunlight hits the water
- Tip
- At Cabo Rojo Lighthouse, descend the sketchy rock formation staircase to access a private beach; use caution as the rocks are uneven
- Tip
- Travel on dirt roads around the salt flats near Cabo Rojo; roads are rocky but passable to reach the lighthouse and beach
- Tip
- Visit Rincon on the northwestern coast for surfing; Maria Beach is known for some of the best waves in the world, suitable for beginners
- Tip
- Call ahead to confirm surfboard rental shops are open in Rincon before arriving, as some may have limited hours
Video on this route
Top 7 INCREDIBLE Places in PUERTO RICO